Heel Pain Causes Treatment and Prevention

Pain in the heel is perhaps one of the most common complaints that any patient can present to a sport’s clinician with regardless of age or physical inactivity. Which implies that it comes in different form, it can be mild form to the point that the person can hardly work? Obtaining knowledge about the cause, treatment options, and ways of prevention of this condition could become quite manageable. Common causes of heel pain, mode of treatment, and prevention of such a condition are discussed herein:

 

Common Causes of Heel Pain

 

1. Plantar Fasciitis

It note that Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common complaints  of the young generation and it is noticeable by inflammation as well as degeneration of the plantar fascia. This is formed by a tight slim strip of fascia beginning from the heel to the toes along the sole of the foot. This condition often leads to a painful experience with severe heel pain. Often it happens when a person starts standing for some steps after long periods of sitting or at wake-up time from sleep.

 

Risk Factors

• Over-weight or obese
• Recurring high-impact activities like running and jumping
• Either flat feet or high arch
• Poorly fitting shoes

2. Achilles Tendinitis

But this Achilles tendinitis is tendinitis of the Achilles tendon. This is one of the numbers of tendons that originate from the calf muscles and inserts in the heel bone. This is one of the most common conditions, especially among runners and those exercises that always impact on the heel part of the foot repeatedly.

• Heel Pain behind the heel
• Stiffness and swelling
• Worsening pain with activity

3. Heel Spurs

Heel spurs are tiny bones growth that one finds on the bone part at the bottom; however, it is also written to be in patients with plantar fasciitis. This usually results in localized pain on a person who stands or walks for long.

 

Causes

• Compression from standing and/or sitting for a long time.
• Inflammatory conditions
• Weariless footwear

4. Bursitis

Bursitis is the inflammation of bursae or cushion like fluid filled sacs found between tendons, muscles and bones. Bursae are superficial sacs filled with fluid that help to protect bones, tendons, and muscles that border a joint. There may be pain across the heel when one puts on shoes as felt in heel bursitis at the back of the heel.

 

5. Stress Fractures

These tiny cracks in the bone are an overuse or repeated stress of the bone. They present itself usually on the heel, better known as calcaneus, and most commonly result in athletes or that individual who has started to accelerate their activity considerably within a short period recently.

 

6. Other causes

This heel pain is due to:

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome: Compression of the nerve in the tarsal tunnel that causes heel pain with paresthesia
• Infections: Osteomyelitis, which is the infection of the bone, presents as heel pain.
• Systemic diseases: The following can be considered as medical causes of heel pain: Rheumatoid arthritis and gout

Heel Pain Treatment

 

1. Rest and activity modification

Rest the affected foot and modify painful activities. One can decrease impact activities and substitute them with low-impact exercises, such as swimming or cycling, to get better.

 

2. Ice Application

If pain is experienced apply an ice pack on the affected area to minimize inflammation. Ideal icing should take 15-20 minutes several times in a day with the best time being after exercise.

 

3. Stretching and Strengthening Exercises

As with natural heal pain, the procedures which include the exercise on stretches the strengthening exercise which enhances the flexibility of the heel which in turn strengthens the muscles and tendons of the heel. The major ones include

• Calf stretches: Stand in front of a wall. Bend your knee, and stretch your calf muscles.
• Stretch plantar fascia: Sit down. Use your hands to pull your toes backward toward your shin. It stretches the bottom of the foot.
• Stretch Achilles tendon. Stand on a step. Let your heels hang off the edge of the step. Hang, then let your heels slowly drop down.

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4. Change Shoes

Supportive shoes would really help in terms of relief from heel pain. Those that have good cushioning and arch support and also a roomier toe box would ease the stress on the heels. Another thing that would work is custom orthotics or heel cup.

 

5. PT

A rehabilitation program by a physical therapist would include exhaustive stretching, strengthening, and techniques of manual therapy to properly manage heel pain.

 

6. Drugs

With the use of over the counter NSAIDs, there is a decrease in inflammation and pain as well as the patient only gets prescribed prescription drugs as required. If the pain remains, the patient should follow up for reassessment of the health care provider

 

7. Injection of Corticosteroid

Doctors can advise that the corticosteroids should be injected to the affected area if in case of extreme pain, not highly responsive to the conservative treatments in a manner of reducing swelling and relieving pain.

 

8. Surgery

Surgery is normally recommended if all the other treatments fail to work, for instance in the case of plantar fasciitis or heel spurs. Other surgery procedures include;

• Plantar fascia release: A procedure in which some portion of the plantar fascia is cut in order to remove the tension.
• Heel spur removal: The surgery, in which a painful spur from the heel is removed

Prevention of Heel Pain

 

1. Ideal Weight

The foot bears much stress due to this overweight condition, so heels suffer pain. Hence one must use diet and exercises to maintain an ideal weight.

 

2. Wearing Appropriate Footwear

Probably the most important area in preventing heel pain is proper footwear. Look for good arch support and cushioning, as well as shoes that fit properly. Avoid anything with high heels and no support at all.

 

3. Stretching and Strengthening End

Daily stretching and strengthening of your feet and legs will certainly prevent heel pain. Be sure to pay particular attention to the calf stretch, foot flexion, and exercises of the lower leg.

 

4. Gradually Increase Your Activities

In cases of a new exercise routine or increasing activity level, slowly go in not to over-exert any part of the body, and allow time for that part affected to acclimatize to the new exercise.

 

5. Use of Orthotic Devices

Another application can be used by an orthotic device, in the form of individualized insoles and arch support, which may be implemented in further support and cushioning in the feet.

 

6. Control of Existing Conditions

Examples of predispositions toward some conditions such as diabetes and arthritis might perhaps prevent heel pain due to proper control of those conditions.

 

Conclusion

Heel pain may significantly impact the lifestyle of an individual and his general well-being. In managing the condition, it is important to identify why heel pain occurs, what its treatments are, and how to prevent heel pain. Early management of heel pain may enable the patient to be comfortable and mobile in activities, thus active and involved in the activities of daily living.

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